BAKU - Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang on Wednesday called for strengthening international cooperation on climate change adaptation for islands, exploring the creation of an international zero-carbon island cooperation organization, and promoting resource sharing, technology exchange, and experience sharing to help small island nations better address the challenges of climate change.

Ding, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when addressing the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative Launching Conference held by China during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Ding said that China attaches great importance to addressing climate change and fully understands the unique challenges and concerns that small island nations face in this regard.

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In recent years, China has collaborated with small island nations to establish low-carbon demonstration zones, develop and implement mitigation and adaptation projects, and set up the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center, actively supporting small island nations in addressing climate change and improving people's livelihoods and well-being, he added.

Noting that addressing the survival crisis of islands is a shared responsibility of all humanity, Ding called on all parties to work together to enhance islands' capacity to adapt to climate change, strengthen island infrastructure, and advance scientific research and technological innovation in disaster prevention and mitigation.

He called for promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of islands, developing clean energy systems suited to local conditions, fostering green industries, protecting island resources, and preserving marine ecosystems.

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Ding said that China is willing to work closely with all parties to push for an early achievement of the goal of zero-carbon islands and build islands that are green, beautiful, safe, and prosperous.

The conference was held at the China Pavilion of the UN Climate Change Conference. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Sao Tome and Principe's Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat Simon Stiell attended the conference and delivered speeches.

Climate actions 'won't waver'

Ding on Wednesday also met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The vice-premier said China firmly implements the national strategy to address climate change, making green and low-carbon development key elements for achieving high-quality growth. 

He said China has developed and implemented a series of policies and measures to achieve both ecological and economic benefits.

China's commitment to peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060 is a deliberate and serious promise, Ding said, adding that the key to tackling climate change lies in practical action, and China has always honored its words with deeds.

Regardless of changes in the international situation or policies in other countries, China's resolve and actions to actively address climate change will not waver, Ding noted.

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He said that China firmly upholds multilateralism and always supports the international system with the United Nations at the core and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as the main channel of global climate governance.

China fulfills its responsibility as a major country, contributing significantly to international cooperation on climate change, Ding noted, adding that the country is willing to work with all parties to engage in practical and open dialogue, reject unilateralism, and strive for positive outcomes at COP29 to inject positive momentum into the multilateral climate process.

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For his part, Guterres said that the United Nations highly appreciates China's efforts and contributions toward its "dual carbon" goals and thanks China for its longstanding strong support for the cause of the United Nations.

He affirmed the United Nations' readiness to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly uphold multilateralism, ensure the success of COP29, and better address the global climate change challenge.